A BRIGGS PATENT FORK SPLICE WOOD BY BRIDGEPORT GUN IMPLEMENT CO., CIRCA 1896

Bulger head wood with leather insert to face



Crown stamped "BGI Co. / Trademark / Pat'd Mch 10, '96'"



Heel stamped "93"



Vulcanite insert to leading edge of sole



Full brass soleplate



Lead backweight



Neck with fork splice joint



Hickory shaft and leather grip

TCA p. 138; TCA 2 Vol. 1 p. 161

Overall very good condition, the fork splice joint is slightly out of its true position, minor marks. Please note that most lots describe a basic overall condition status. Please note that it is the nature of this type of memorabilia to be in excellent or very good condition and still have some age wear. To request individual detailed condition reports, please contact Lisa Ladish or Kevin Schwartz in Sotheby's Collectibles Department.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

One of the first clubmakers in the US, in 1896 Briggs received two patents (only the third and fourth U.S. patents granted for golf clubs), both of which concerned a fork splice neck. The fork splice was considered to create a stronger neck: the process involved double the glue surface, and the bending of the neck by streaming the head. The Bridgeport Gun Implement Company offered its "Fork-spliced Drivers" for $2.50 for only one year (1900). Less than ten are known.